Government of Canada Strengthens Maritime Trade and Tourism in Prince Rupert

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/31/15 -- Western Economic Diversification Canada

Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment of $4 million for two projects to support the marine trade and marine tourism sectors in Prince Rupert.

With funding of $2 million provided through the Western Diversification Program (WDP), the Prince Rupert Port Authority will purchase and install three radar stations and one marine Automatic Identification System to provide radar coverage at the Port of Prince Rupert harbour, ship anchorages, and approaches from the Dixon Entrance. The improvement in marine vessel traffic management is expected to increase the overall activity and growth of the port as it will strengthen the flow of goods, services and people in and out of the West.

An additional investment of $2 million, also through WDP, will support the City of Prince Rupert in the construction of a new marina at Cow Bay. This marina will attract large-scale marine tourism traffic to the North Coast region and become an integral part of marine tourism infrastructure developed along the B.C. coast. The marina will also support First Nations' tourism activities and regional transportation needs by providing infrastructure for water taxis, chartered fishing vessels, and other water-based activities.

Quick Facts

--  The Port of Prince Rupert is home to five world-class terminals,
    including the fastest growing container terminal in North America. This
    makes the port largely diverse and ready to handle any challenges in a
    safe, responsible and sustainable manner.
--  The City of Prince Rupert was established in 1910 and is part of the
    Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District. The total population of Prince
    Rupert is approximately 13,000 and the coastal city is one of two port
    cities in British Columbia.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to ensuring Western Canada has the infrastructure to thrive in a trade-driven global economy. The projects announced today will bolster and facilitate the ease of international trade traffic and promote the growing tourism industry in Prince Rupert, which will result in the creation of jobs and growth and long term prosperity."

- The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"This project will result in a new and foundational piece of our marine safety and security network at the Port of Prince Rupert, providing an additional layer to the maritime picture we use to keep our harbour safe and ensure a diverse range of cargoes continue to flow securely through our trade gateway. Our local partnerships enable improvements like this to make a safe port even safer and matching investments from senior government organizations allow us to carry forward our long term development vision in a safe, responsible and sustainable manner.

- Don Krusel, President and CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert

"The Cow Bay Marina strengthens our position in the growing recreational yachting market while providing community access to the waterfront. We are proud to have partnered with the Government of Canada and locally with Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest in turning a 25-year-old dream into reality."

- Paul Vendittelli, Economic Development Officer, City of Prince Rupert

Additional Links

- Prince Rupert Port Authority

- Trade and Investment Opportunities in Western Canada

- City of Prince Rupert website

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The West Means Business.

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

Contacts:
Ben Stanford
Regional Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification
604-666-3395
[email protected]

Ken Veldman
Director, Public Affairs
Prince Rupert Port Authority
Prince Rupert, B.C.
250-627-2526
[email protected]

Paul Vendittelli
Economic Development Officer
Prince Rupert and Port Edward EDC
250-627-5138
[email protected]

WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.

Source: Western Economic Diversification Canada

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